Manager, Automation Engineering

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical and strategic owner for assigned automation systems, with full accountability for functionality, performance, integration, and ROI.
• Partner with the Automation Director to support a multi-year automation strategy across supply chain operations of varying scale and complexity.
• Develop and champion business cases for multimillion-dollar automation investments, including CAPEX/OPEX forecasting, financial validation, and post-implementation savings tracking.
• Establish annual capital planning strategies and manage automation project budgets to ensure cost, scope, and timeline adherence.
• Lead cross functional teams during all phases of automation: project development/ROI, capex budget management design, deployment, achievement of $/unit
• Maintain performance dashboards and address performance gaps, identifying and delivering improvement opportunities that rely on the external Vendor to execute.
• Provide internal updates regarding the Vendor performance and relationship and serve as the subject matter expert for processes that require Vendor delivery and will be expected to update Vendor score cards with leadership.
• Support NPI (New product introduction) with feeders, collateral, box making, etc...
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver automation outcomes that support operational capability, device repair cost reduction, and client growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (or equivalent industry experience with alternate degree).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience implementing and supporting automation solutions in manufacturing or supply chain environments.
• Minimum 5+ years in client or supplier/vendor management or related client facing operational or project management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing large-scale, capital-intensive automation projects.
• Strong knowledge of automation engineering principles, system integration, and production deployment methodologies.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to develop strategic roadmaps validating business cases and using PDCA to execute.
• Advanced understanding of KPI development, performance analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to executive and non-technical audiences.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a bias for action and results.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), Auto Cad, Solidworks, Visio/flowcharts.
• Project management and process improvement experience required.
• Minimal domestic and international travel as required.
• Experience with Osha/Tosha compliance.
• Experience with Vision systems, Robotics, AMR/AGV, feeding systems, conveyors, 2D/3D scanning.
• Change Management, Software revision management, retaining ISO standards.